Hands-On

Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 Hands-on Review

Published

September 12, 2017

Chay Lazaro

When Xiaomi unveiled the Mi Mix last year, it was the first of its kind. A phone with a front panel that was all screen, no buttons, no sensors, no ear piece — just display from corner to corner.

Xiaomi called it a concept phone, their vision of what the smartphone of the future looked like. In the succeeding months, rival smartphone brands followed suit, LG with its G6, Samsung’s entire flagship line, up-and-comer Essential with its PH-1, and most likely Apple’s next iPhone also.

Earlier in Beijing, Xiaomi unveiled the phone’s successor, the Mi Mix 2 — learning from their concept phone and turning it into a device that everyone can use.

The sequel looks just like a smaller version of the original but with several refinements; now with a 6-inch display (instead of 6.4 inches), rounded corners, and a new 18:9 aspect ratio that makes it narrower and easier to grip. The size adjustment fixes one of our biggest complaints about the first Mix: It was big, unwieldy, and impossible to use comfortably with one hand.

Mi Mix (left), Mi Mix 2 (right)

Both phones look like they were cut from the same cloth. In terms of build materials, the Mix 2 has the same aluminum frame and glossy ceramic back. Xiaomi is also shipping a special edition model that’s made from a single block of ceramic. While we imagine this to be very delicate, the white model in particular is stunning. Xiaomi describes it as a “perfect piece of jade from heaven.”

On the phone’s front panel right above the display, Xiaomi added an earpiece, something it took away last year in lieu of technology that sent sound waves through the display. It was a cool feature that didn’t quite match the call quality of actual speakers, so we’re glad to see the traditional earpiece back.

The bottom chin carries the selfie camera. While Xiaomi’s done good by further reducing the size of the chin, bringing the phone close to its its bezel-free promise, the selfie camera is still in the same sore spot.

For best results, we recommend flipping the phone upside down while taking selfies, the camera app will adjust, except on third-party apps like Instagram and Snapchat.

The Mix 2’s back side is pristine with only the main camera and its circular gold accents breaking up the monotony. Beneath the camera is a fingerprint sensor; quick, reliable, and now because of its smaller form factor, easily reachable even with smaller fingers.

The only physical buttons on the device are the volume rocker and power button on its right side. It’s got a dual nano-SIM card tray on the left, with no provisions for expandable memory. You’re stuck with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB built-in storage options. On its bottom are speakers and a USB-C charging port. Also missing is a headphone jack. Xiaomi ships an adapter in the box, but unlike the rest of its phones, it skips on bundled headphones, as well.

As great as the phone looks on the outside, its insides too live up to the leadership role the Mix 2 espouses. The flagship is powered by a top-of-the-line Snapdragon 835 processor and 6GB of RAM. In the time we spent with the phone, we found the user interface snappy and responsive. Games ran fine, and multitasking was hiccup-free. The phone runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box with Xiaomi’s new MiUI 9 skin.

In the day we used the phone around Beijing, the Mix 2 powered through, not needing a top-up. But we want to put its 3400mAh battery through a more rigorous test for our full review. One thing we can vouch for now are quick top-ups thanks to Quick Charge 3.0 support.

Unlike the dual-camera-touting Mi 6, the Mix 2 only has one main 12-megapixel camera. Performance was pretty standard, apart from a bit of processing lag when taking HDR photos. Photo quality was great across all lighting conditions. Check our gallery below:

You’ll also find that low-light performance has been significantly improved from the Mix to the Mix 2.

Night shots are now very good, thanks in part to the phone’s 4-axis stabilization, which also did a decent job even from a rickety rickshaw (check out our video review for the footage).

Is the Mi Mix 2 your GadgetMatch?

We’ll reserve judgement until we’ve had the time for a full review, but in the limited time we’ve used the phone, it’s safe to say there’s no denying the Mi Mix 2 is a great phone.

What sets the phone apart is its price tag, starting at about CNY 3,299, which comes to around US$ 500. That makes the Mix 2 significantly cheaper than any other bezel-less smartphone from 2017.

On top of that, the phone supports an unprecedented 43 bands, meaning it should theoretically work with the most number of cell networks in the world. The phone was clearly designed to appeal to a broader global market, in keeping with its image of not being just a concept anymore, but a phone for everyone.

SEE ALSO: Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 Special Edition comes in full ceramic body
[irp posts=”20062″ name=”Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 Special Edition comes in full ceramic body”]

Related Topics:Mi Mix 2 Xiaomi Xiaomi Mi Mix 2

Accessories

Marshall Major V: Reasons Why I Love It

After a month of using

Published

April 17, 2024

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

I’ve got a new favorite pair of headphones.

They look good, sound good, last long, are compact and portable.

Most of all? They are from a brand that I truly love.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Here’s are V Major reasons why I love the new Marshall Major V!

Hands-On

ZTE nubia Neo 5G: Decent for gaming

But needs improvement

Published

April 4, 2024

GadgetMatch and Levi Verora Jr

Photos c/o Deric Claveria

If you’re looking to buy a smartphone specifically for gaming, you’ll typically need to shell out more. You have to spend extra for capable hardware and software to fuel the mobile gaming experience. That doesn’t mean manufacturers aren’t trying their best to bring more affordable gaming phones to customers. Enter the ZTE nubia Neo 5G.

Known for their higher-end devices like the Redmagic series, ZTE introduced a budget-level choice that promises better gaming for all. Appearance-wise, it straight up looks like a gaming phone. But does it really deliver on being a great value device for mobile gamers?

ZTE nubia Neo 5G specs

Unisoc T820 chipset, up to 2.7GHz
Android 13
8GB+10GB RAM
256GB RAM
6.6-inch FHD+ display
120Hz refresh rate
50MP main camera + 2MP depth camera, 8MP front camera
4,500mAh battery
22.W fast-charging
3.5mm jack
2 SIM card slots

On paper, the ZTE nubia Neo 5G has the usual specs expected of a smartphone of its price point. There’s the usual 50MP main camera, FHD+ display, and and even a 3.5mm jack. On the positive end, it differs from other competitors by offering a higher refresh rate and a more spacious internal storage. However, it has a smaller battery capacity and a slightly slower “fast-charging” output.

WATCH: ZTE nubia Neo 5G Unboxing Reel

Appearance, feel

This budget gaming phone immediately stands out with its gold-and-black, Mecha-like finish at the back. The protruding camera lenses somehow mimic machine gears. The unit we tested came in War-Damaged Yellow. It somehow reminds us of Bumblebee from the Transformers franchise. There is also a Phantom Black option for those wanting black to be the dominant color.

The phone itself has just the proper amount of sleekness into it. It’s not slippery. It’s comfortable to hold. However, the placement of its speakers on the lower left does not help when holding the phone horizontally. Fingers tend to have it blocked, lessening the gaming experience.

Camera

As usual, this budget offering has as 50MP main shooter, with the 2MP extra camera standing in vain. The main camera works well with stills, and leans more on the natural side when it comes to color. Not too saturated, not too pale, just about right. Of course, you’ll need to be ultra steady when capturing as this phone does not support advanced stabilization features.

Additionally, you’ll need sufficient lighting to retain details. Shoot against the light, and the camera’s low dynamic range won’t help in preserving details in the darker parts. Shake your hand a bit, and you’ll get blurred captures. It’s pretty much expected for a handset in this segment.

Check out these sample photos:

Usage

The ZTE nubia Neo 5G does have a simple user interface that’s familiar long-time for Android users. It is able to work well for casual browsing, switching from one app to another, and having a few apps open.

On the downside, there are a few instances that hopping from one app to the other takes a bit more than a split second. I kind of expected that already, especially with watching livestreams or apps involving videos like YouTube and TikTok.

Of course, for optimal performance, it’s best to have just a few apps running at a time. And even with its slightly “smaller” battery, the phone can last you up to a full day for light to moderate use.

Gaming

We tested multiple titles on the ZTE nubia Neo 5G, ranging from slightly to highly demanding, to check its promise of better gaming on an affordable device. Apparently, games will run on the phone under low settings by default.

The phone held its own quite smoothly for usual MOBA and FPS titles, for as long as the graphics settings are set to low.

But where there are more simultaneous things going on, like in a mad Call of Duty scramble, that’s where the effects begin to experience lagging.

Moreover, with titles like Asphalt 9: Legends and Genshin Impact, which both push capabilities to the limit, the phone barely was able to support high settings.

To be fair, the phone did not get very hot throughout about an hour of gameplay, which is quite a plus. All things considered, including its price point and aesthetic that screams gaming, the ZTE nubia Neo 5G can be a decent gaming choice for those who are on a budget but still want to enjoy such games.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

Overall, the ZTE nubia Neo 5G is a serviceable budget phone, especially when it comes to usual performance. There are, however, some aspects that need to be improved. It wouldn’t hurt to improve the fast-charging capabilities, change the placement of its speakers, or sneak an extra ultra-wide lens to the setup.

But we fully understand that this device was meant for gaming. Higher-end models aren’t perfect either. This is a decent choice, considering that incorporating better specs to cheaper devices is still an ongoing process. It can only get better from here.

The ZTE nubia Neo 5G is available starting at PhP 9,999 on ZTE’s official Shopee store.

Hands-On

Found: Cute smartphone to match your coquette aesthetic

The OPPO Reno11 F 5G deserves that cute, pink bow

Published

March 4, 2024

MJ Jucutan

If you like it, then you should’ve put a ~pink bow~ on it!

At least, that’s what we did with the newest OPPO Reno11 F 5G painted in Coral Purple.

That soft, lilac hue bodes well with the coquette aesthetic — social media girlies’ cute (and crazy) obsession now.

Originally, the term “coquette” means “a woman who flirts,” which is also referenced at Robert Greene’s book called “The Art of Seduction.”

But the Generation Z knows how to put a spin on everything, with the trend now leaning into more playful and romantic approach to everything they see.

Think: pastel, pink, bows, and everything about girlhood.

The OPPO Reno11 F 5G fits in that dainty aesthetic. It’s a smartphone that looks playful from the get-go.

The frame’s slender, and it’s light enough for some chicly usage. Taking mirror selfies like a supermodel can be an achievable flex.

The flat sides look polished, befitting someone who looks bejeweled and ready to step into the world with confidence.

The buttons on the right side are easily reachable — for adjusting your music’s volume and for taking quick selfies.

It also comes in USB-C sitting on its bottom side along with mic and speakers.

Forget 11:11

Up front, the Reno11 F 5G comes with a flat display. Just like the coquette aesthetic, flat displays are being revived.

Curves are getting overrated, though. The flat, 6.7-inch AMOLED display is easier for watching and streaming your favorite shows and films.

Streaming a 2000s film like Mean Girls in 2024 didn’t feel like I was watching a movie from two decades ago. The visuals look as punchy and vibrant as it gets.

I enjoyed rewatching Devil Wears Prada as well, which can be streamed on Netflix. Even when I was sitting by the windows during noontime, the phone’s brightness kept up with the harsh light coming through.

It maintained that dynamic color despite struggling with glares.

What surprised me was the Ultra Volume mode, which boosts the audio up to 300%. The bimbo in me thought it was specifically for Netflix’s content, but I was wrong.

While using TikTok to think of new coquette style and watching my mother Taylor Swift’s performance since I wouldn’t be able to go to the Eras Tour, I activated the ultra volume once more.

The speaker’s as powerful as it gets but frankly, it might hurt your ears. It’s a back-up feature for when you forget your cute, full-toned speakers.

Living life like you’re in a rom-com film

Having a playful smartphone doesn’t end with putting pink bows and looking cute. It should let you romanticize life and let you live like you’re in a rom-com film.

We got to take the smartphone out for a whole day and its 5000mAh battery capacity didn’t even drop to one-fourth. Yup, even with mobile data on, taking pictures and videos, and browsing endlessly on TikTok and Instagram.

The 256GB internal storage is also sufficient for storing all your favorite moments. And more importantly, it’s got a camera that lets you record your everyday life.

The OPPO Reno11 F 5G comes with a 64-megapixel Ultra-Clear Triple Camera, which is also capable of recording a 4K Ultra-Clear Video apt for your TikTok and Instagram Reels.

There’s an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera using a Sony IMX355 sensor, if you want to capture your views.

And for some details, there’s a 2-megapixel macro camera for when you want to zoom in a little. Up front, you can enjoy a 32-megapixel selfie camera which uses a Sony IMX615 sensor.

Moreover, there are built-in filters that you can select for your photos. Here are glimpses of our lives romanticized.

A match made for coquette girlies

The OPPO Reno11 F 5G takes anyone easily in their lover era, thanks to its playful vibe. The coquette aesthetic may fit it well, but it’s still a versatile phone that any girlies and their oomfs can take advantage of.

It’s just like any midrange phone, capable of multi-tasking from morning to night. Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7050, you can certainly swipe continuously and power through the day.

You can even play some games if you’re bored from doomscrolling.

And when you’re in dire need of recharging, you can let it charge with its 67W SUPERVOOC. Before you’re done with your makeup, the phone’s already back to a hundred.

So, if you’re up for a smartphone that can easily take on your day-to-day life while looking coquette, the OPPO Reno11 F 5G just might be the dainty gizmo of your dreams.

Pricing and availability for the OPPO Reno11 F 5G will be announced soon. Stay tuned.